Good evening,
Week 5 training tape is now in Hudl under “Training Tapes” if you see yourself in the film, please do not get offended. We are all learning.
Next meeting will be 10/5 at TRs Place in Belleville at 6:30Pm. Special Guests: Austin Fraiser (HC at Althoff) and Mike Harrision (HC at Belleville East). Food will be provided.
We are already in week 6 of this season!! Thanks for your work, we all know the work to be our best never stops. Over the many years, the IHSA Rules Interpreter and clinicians have taught/discussed rule interpretations and their applications (i.e., when we should call a hold, the definition/application of recognizing targeting or blindside blocks etc.). Because of this approach across the state, we have been less focused on discussing and training proper mechanics. In observations this year, we have noticed some areas that we could be better mechanically. Being in the best calling position gives us the best chance to see a foul and make the correct call. If we can make a few corrections then merge good mechanics with our good rule’s application, we will be positioned to officiate the best game possible and enhance our credibility. Here are examples below for each position:
Referee:
Most of the referees being observed have been too deep, as much as 20 yards from the line-of-scrimmage, and way too wide. Proper position is 10-13 yards deep and 5-7 yards wide of the QB. Many do not clear the players when signaling the press box and often do not collect their thoughts before keying the press box mic to announce the ruling on the field. Also, a missing mechanic has been the referee lining up the covering official on scrimmage kicks that go out-of-bounds. Too many times the back or line judge is left hanging as to where to spot the ball when kicked out of bounds. It’s the little things that separate the good from the great. Making these simple corrections will help to sell yourself and your crew.
Umpire:
Many umpires are as much as 10-12 yards behind the line-of-scrimmage. Proper position is 7-9 yards deep. Being so deep takes you out of position to read your keys. What should umpires be keying on? Their key is watching for a legal snap, the center, and guards and to move forward to the line-of-scrimmage on pass plays. In addition, as an umpire you must rotate with the pass to assist with a catch no catch situation and possibly a foul. Many umpires seem to be afraid to take 2-3 steps beyond the hash marks to retrieve a loose ball. Retrieving the ball is perfectly acceptable outside of the hash marks. And yes, you can blow your whistle to kill the play when the ball becomes dead at your feet. You must also move laterally when required to observe the players around the ball. This will help you get into a better position to watch for holding, blocks in the back, face mask fouls and blindside blocks etc.
Wings (Linesman & Line Judge):
Wing officials are the most critical positions on the crew. You are the ambassador to the head coach, which means you need to know the rules and be able to communicate with the head coach. If you do not know the rules, it is difficult to conduct an intelligent conversation with him. With use of headsets, you must listen and then report to your sideline coach what is going on. Many wing officials are either slow, or not moving at all on pass plays. Not advocating you run stride for stride with the receivers, but you must move to put yourself in the best position to rule on a passing play in your area. In addition, the Line Judge must release on a scrimmage kick to assist the back judge with proper coverage. The Linesman must stay on the line-of-scrimmage to determine if the kick has crossed the expanded neutral zone, determine if there was a foul prior to the ball crossing the neutral zone, then retreat to assist with the kick coverage.
Back Judge:
In observing the Back Judges, we see them line themselves up in the middle of the field awaiting the snap. Learn the strength of formation and shade yourself to that side of the field. There is no need to crash in right away to retrieve a loose-ball, or to relay a ball into the umpire. Keep your head up and observe the players you are moving towards. Usually, it is during a dead-ball situation, cheap shots fly. It’s hard to see the cheap shot if you are running with your head bouncing up and down. During a scrimmage kick, have your bean bag in your hand and do not get more than three steps behind the receiver and several yards to the side of him (do not position yourself on the sideline).
Closing:
Use this week’s newsletter and training tape during your pregame to address your crew’s mechanics. As stated earlier, knowing the rules is extremely important, but if you are not in the right spot to see the play you may not always rule on the situation correctly. Sell yourself, sell your crew.
Have fun this week. The season is going by quickly. Playoff contracts should be coming out around week 7.
Again. Next meeting will be 10/5 at TRs Place in Belleville at 6:30Pm. Special Guests: Austin Fraiser (HC at Althoff) and Mike Harrision (HC at Belleville East). Food will be provided.
Blake Ohren